Kelsey Button with her horse Molly, showing some of the stolen riding gear.

A heartbroken youngster has been left devastated after thieves snatched valuable horse riding gear leaving her unable to ride.

Thieves struck at the private yard in Hatfield yesterday afternoon, escaping with more than £3,000 worth of equipment and tack.

Now the mum of upset Kelsey Button, ten, has called on those responsible to return the gear so her young daughter, who suffers from ADHD, can saddle up again. Dawn Mace said: “She is absolutely devastated. She has been crying all night and can’t believe what has happened.

“She loves horse riding and now she can’t because all her kit has gone. It is expensive stuff and we can’t afford to replace it.”

The thieves hit the private livery yard near Hatfield railway station between late Friday night and Saturday and made off with saddles, bridles, boots and grooming equipment after forcing their way into the tack room.

Added Mrs Mace; “The yard is used by other riders, but Kelsey is the only youngster who goes along and she is absolutely heartbroken. “Other riders have had stuff taken but Kelsey is the only young girl down there and she’s so upset. She absolutely loves going on the horse.”

None of the horse, including Kelsey’s mount Molly were injured or taken in the raid, which has been reported to police.

She is hoping CCTV cameras may have picked up the raiders on camera.

“I would ask anyone who can help to come forward,” she said.

“She has been crying her eyes out and until we can get new kit, she can’t go riding again. I just hope this pulls at the heartstrings of someone out there and they realise what they have done.

“I can’t understand why anyone would do anything as cruel as that. It is disgusting.”